The 2021 International Roofing Expo (IRE) has been rescheduled from its original February date to April 14-16, 2021.

According to the IRE website, the IRE team made the decision to move one of the largest roofing industry shows to April following discussions with key stakeholders and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). The event, originally scheduled for Feb. 24-26, will still take place in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

“We understand how important the International Roofing Expo is to the industry and the need to stay informed and connected,” said Ray Giovine, group director for Informa Markets and the IRE, in a written statement. “There is a lot of effort that goes into preparation of events, so we wanted to provide our exhibitors, speakers, attendees and partners with ample notice to adjust plans.”

IRE officials said the decision was not reached easily, but was made in order to create a productive and relaxed environment for all who attend. Attendees do not need to take any action with the new dates, and registration for the IRE will now open in late fall.

The rescheduling comes on the heels of the IRE announcing it will adopt enhanced health and safety protocols to ensure all attendees remain safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety requirements include deep cleanings of high-traffic areas and having all attendees avoid close contact, such as handshakes or handing out printed materials. The measures are in addition to protocols from government local authorities and the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, which is currently requiring all guests to wear masks inside of public spaces.

“We would not hold an event that we felt would risk the health or safety of our attendees,” said Giovine. “We are expecting a strong turnout at the event. We are hearing from our exhibitors that they are looking forward to the show and connecting with industry.”

In speaking with RC about the 2021 show, NRCA CEO Reid Ribble said the IRE was the last major event for the industry prior to the pandemic, and it's likely to be the first one in 2021 where the industry can reconnect.

"It will have been a year where so many meetings have been canceled, and I expect people to be very anxious to get out of their homes and get together with colleagues and to reconnect with friends and to see what's new, because while COVID-19's been going on, manufacturers are innovating, distribution is growing, and roofing contractors and construction have been going on as an essential service during this entire time."

The 2020 IRE broke show records with 17,060 attendees and 541 companies displaying thousands of products and services.